OAR 410-141-3835
MCE Service Authorization

(1) Coverage of services is outlined by MCE contract and OHP benefits coverage in OAR 410-120-1210 (Medical Assistance Benefit Packages and Delivery System) and 410-120-1160 (Medical Assistance Benefits and Provider Rules).
(2) A member may access urgent and emergency services 24 hours a day, seven days a week without prior authorization.
(3) The MCE may not require a member to obtain the approval of a primary care physician to gain access to behavioral assessment and evaluation services. A member may self-refer to behavioral health and services available from the provider network. Members may obtain primary care services in a behavioral health setting, and behavioral health services in a primary care setting without authorization.
(4) Contractors must permit out-of-network IHCPs to refer an MCE-enrolled American Indian/Alaska Native to a network provider for covered services as required by 42 CFR 438.14(b)(6).
(5) The MCE shall ensure the services are furnished in an amount, duration, and scope that is no less than the amount, duration, and scope for the same services furnished to beneficiaries under FFS Medicaid and as described in ORS chapter 414 and applicable administrative rules, based on the Prioritized List of Health Services and OAR 410-120-1160 (Medical Assistance Benefits and Provider Rules), 410-120-1210 (Medical Assistance Benefit Packages and Delivery System), and 410-141-3830 (Prioritized List of Health Services).
(6) MCEs may not arbitrarily deny or reduce the amount, duration, or scope of a required service solely because of diagnosis, type of illness, or condition of the beneficiary.
(7) MCEs shall observe required timelines for standard authorizations, expedited authorizations, and specific OHP rule requirements for authorizations for services, including but not limited to residential treatment or substance use disorder treatment services and requirements for advance notice set forth in OAR 410-141-3885 (Grievances & Appeals: Notice of Action/Adverse Benefit Determination). MCEs shall observe required timely access to service timelines as indicated in OAR 410-141-3515 (Network Adequacy).
(8) MCEs may place appropriate limits on a service authorization based on medical necessity and medical appropriateness as defined in OAR 410-120-0000 (Acronyms and Definitions) or for utilization control provided that the MCE:
(a) Ensures the services are sufficient in amount, duration, or scope to reasonably achieve the purpose for which the services are furnished;
(b) Authorizes the services supporting individuals with ongoing or chronic conditions or those conditions requiring long-term services and supports in a manner that reflects the member’s ongoing need for the services and supports;
(c) Provides family planning services in a manner that protects and enables the member’s freedom to choose the method of family planning to be used consistent with 42 CFR §441.20 and the member’s free choice of provider consistent with 42 USC §1396a(a)(23)(B) and 42 CFR §431.51; and
(d) Ensures compensation to individuals or entities that conduct utilization management activities is not structured to provide incentives for the individual or entity to deny, limit, delay, or discontinue medically necessary services to any member.
(9) For authorization of services:
(a) Each MCE shall follow the following timeframes for authorization requests other than for drug services:
(A) For standard authorization requests for services not previously authorized, provide notice as expeditiously as the member’s condition requires and no later than 14 days following receipt of the request for service with a possible extension of up to 14 additional days if the following applies:
(i) The member, the member’s representative, or provider requests an extension; or
(ii) The MCE justifies to the Authority upon request a need for additional information and how the extension is in the member’s interest.
(B) For notices of adverse benefit determinations that affect services previously authorized, the MCE shall mail the notice at least 10 days before the date the adverse benefit determination takes effect:
(i) The MCE shall make an expedited authorization decision and provide notice as expeditiously as the member’s health condition requires and no later than 72 hours after receipt of the request for service, which period of time shall be determined by the time and date stamp on the receipt of the request;
(ii) The MCE may extend the 72-hour period up to 14 days if the member requests an extension or if the MCE justifies to the Authority upon request a need for additional information and how the extension is in the member’s interest.
(b) Prior authorization requests for outpatient drugs, including a practitioner administered drug (PAD), shall be addressed by the MCEs as follows:
(A) Respond to requests for prior authorizations for outpatient drugs within 24 hours as described in 42 CFR 438.210 (Qualifications of laboratory director)(d)(3) and section 1927(d)(5)(A) of the Social Security Act. An initial response shall include:
(i) A written, telephonic or electronic communication of approval of the drug as requested to the member, and prescribing practitioner, and when known to the MCE, the pharmacy; or
(ii) A written notice of adverse benefit determination of the drug to the member, and telephonic or electronic notice to the prescribing practitioner, and when known to the MCE, the pharmacy if the drug is denied or partially approved; or
(iii) A written, telephonic, or electronic request for additional documentation to the prescribing practitioner when the prior authorization request lacks the MCE’s standard information collection tools such as prior authorization forms or other documentation necessary to render a decision; or
(iv) A written, telephonic, or electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the prior authorization request that gives an expected timeframe for a decision. An initial response indicating only acceptance of a request shall not delay a decision to approve or deny the drug within 72 hours.
(B) The 72-hour window for a coverage decision begins with the initial date and time stamp of a prior authorization request for a drug;
(C) If the response is a request for additional documentation, the MCE shall identify and notify the prescribing practitioner of the documentation required to make a coverage decision and comply within the following timeframes:
(i) Upon receiving the MCE’s completed prior authorization forms and required documentation, the MCE shall issue a decision as expeditiously as the member’s health requires, but no later than 72 hours from the date and time stamp of the initial request for prior authorization as follows:
(I) If the drug is approved as requested, the MCE shall notify the member in writing and prescribing practitioner, and when known to the MCE, the pharmacy, telephonically, or electronically; or
(II) If the drug is denied or partially approved, the MCE shall issue a written notice of adverse benefit determination to the member, and telephonic or electronic notice to the prescribing practitioner, and when known to the MCE, the pharmacy.
(ii) If the requested additional documentation is not received within 72 hours from the date and time stamp of the initial request for prior authorization, the MCE shall issue a written notice of adverse benefit determination to the member, and telephonic or electronic notice to the prescribing practitioner, and when known to the MCE, the pharmacy.
(D) The MCE shall provide approved services as expeditiously as the member’s health condition requires;
(E) If an emergency situation justifies the immediate medical need for the drug during this review process, an emergency supply of 72 hours or longer shall be made available until the MCE makes a coverage decision.
(c) For members with special health care needs as determined through an assessment requiring a course of treatment or regular care monitoring, each MCE shall have a mechanism in place to allow members to directly access a specialist (for example, through a standing referral or an approved number of visits) as appropriate for the member’s condition and identified needs;
(d) Any service authorization decision not reached within the timeframes specified in this rule shall constitute a denial and becomes an adverse benefit determination. A notice of adverse benefit determination shall be issued on the date the timeframe expires;
(e) MCEs shall give the member written notice of any decision to deny a service authorization request or to authorize a service in an amount, duration, or scope that is less than requested or when reducing a previously authorized service authorization. The notice shall meet the requirements of CFR §438.404 and OAR 410-141-3885 (Grievances & Appeals: Notice of Action/Adverse Benefit Determination);
(f) The MCE and its subcontractors shall have and follow written policies and procedures to ensure consistent application of review criteria for service authorization requests including the following:
(A) MCEs shall consult with the requesting provider for medical services when necessary:
(i) Requesting all the appropriate information to support decision making as early in the review process as possible; and
(ii) Adding documentation in the authorization file on outreach methods and dates when additional information was requested from the requesting provider.
(B) Decisions shall be made by an individual who has clinical expertise in addressing the member’s medical, behavioral, or oral health needs or in consultation with a health care professional with clinical expertise in treating the member’s condition or disease. This applies to decisions to:
(i) Deny a service authorization request;
(ii) Reduce a previously authorized service request; or
(iii) Authorize a service in an amount, duration, or scope that is less than requested.
(C) MCEs shall have written policies and procedures for processing prior authorization requests received from any provider. The policies and procedures shall specify timeframes for the following:
(i) Date and time stamping prior authorization requests when received;
(ii) Determining within a specific number of days from receipt whether a prior authorization request is valid or non-valid;
(iii) The specific number of days allowed for follow-up on pended prior authorization requests to obtain additional information;
(iv) The specific number of days following receipt of the additional information that an approval or denial shall be issued;
(v) Providing services after office hours and on weekends that require prior authorization.
(D) An MCE shall make a determination on at least 95 percent of valid prior authorization requests within two working days of receipt of a prior authorization or reauthorization request related to:
(i) Drugs;
(ii) Alcohol;
(iii) Drug services; or
(iv) Care required while in a skilled nursing facility.
(g) MCEs shall notify providers of an approval, a denial, or the need for further information for all other prior authorization requests within 14 days of receipt of the request as set forth in OAR 410-141-3885 (Grievances & Appeals: Notice of Action/Adverse Benefit Determination) unless otherwise specified in OHP program rules:
(A) MCEs shall make three reasonable attempts using two methods to obtain the necessary information during the 14-day period;
(B) If the MCE needs to extend the timeframe, the MCE shall give the member written notice of the reason for the extension;
(C) The MCE shall make a determination as the member’s health or mental health condition requires, but no later than the expiration of the extension.

Source: Rule 410-141-3835 — MCE Service Authorization, https://secure.­sos.­state.­or.­us/oard/view.­action?ruleNumber=410-141-3835.

410‑141‑3500
Definitions 410‑141‑3501
Administration of Oregon Integrated and Coordinated Health Care Delivery System Regulation 410‑141‑3505
Use of Subcontractors 410‑141‑3510
Provider Contracting and Credentialing 410‑141‑3515
Network Adequacy 410‑141‑3520
Record Keeping and Use of Health Information Technology 410‑141‑3525
Outcome and Quality Measures 410‑141‑3530
Sanctions 410‑141‑3540
Member Protections 410‑141‑3545
Coordinated Care Organization Behavioral Health Provider, Treatment and Facility Certification and Licensure 410‑141‑3550
Resolving Disputes between MCEs and the Authority 410‑141‑3555
Resolving Disputes between Health Care Entities and CCOs that Concern CCO Contact Award 410‑141‑3560
Resolving Contract Disputes Between Health Care Entities and CCOs 410‑141‑3565
Managed Care Entity Billing 410‑141‑3566
Telehealth Service and Reimbursement Requirements 410‑141‑3570
Managed Care Entity Encounter Claims Data Reporting 410‑141‑3575
MCE Member Relations: Marketing 410‑141‑3580
MCE Member Relations: Potential Member Information 410‑141‑3585
MCE Member Relations: Education and Information 410‑141‑3590
MCE Member Relations: Member Rights and Responsibilities 410‑141‑3600
MCE Assessment: Definitions 410‑141‑3601
MCE Assessment: General Administration 410‑141‑3605
MCE Assessment: Disclosure of Information 410‑141‑3610
MCE Assessment: Calculation, Report, Due Date, Verification 410‑141‑3615
MCE Assessment: Filing an Amended Report 410‑141‑3620
MCE Assessment: Determining the Date Filed 410‑141‑3625
MCE Assessment: Authority to Audit Records 410‑141‑3630
MCE Assessment: Determining Assessment Liability on Failure to File 410‑141‑3635
MCE Assessment: Financial Penalty for Failure to File a Report or Failure to Pay Assessment When Due 410‑141‑3640
MCE Assessment: Notice of Proposed Action 410‑141‑3645
MCE Assessment: Hearing Process 410‑141‑3650
MCE Assessment: Final Order of Payment 410‑141‑3655
Assessment: Remedies Available after Final Order of Payment 410‑141‑3700
CCO Application and Contracting Procedures 410‑141‑3705
Criteria for CCOs 410‑141‑3710
Contract Termination and Close-Out Requirements 410‑141‑3715
CCO Governance 410‑141‑3720
Service Area Change for Existing CCOs 410‑141‑3725
CCO Contract Renewal Notification 410‑141‑3730
Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plans 410‑141‑3735
Social Determinants of Health and Equity 410‑141‑3740
Traditional Health Workers 410‑141‑3800
CCO Enrollment for Children Receiving Health Services 410‑141‑3805
Mandatory MCE Enrollment Exceptions 410‑141‑3810
Disenrollment from MCEs 410‑141‑3815
CCO Enrollment for Temporary Out-of-Area Behavioral Health Treatment Services 410‑141‑3820
Covered Services 410‑141‑3825
Excluded Services and Limitations 410‑141‑3830
Prioritized List of Health Services 410‑141‑3835
MCE Service Authorization 410‑141‑3840
Emergency and Urgent Care Services 410‑141‑3845
Health-Related Services 410‑141‑3850
Transition of Care 410‑141‑3855
Pharmaceutical Services 410‑141‑3860
Integration and Coordination of Care 410‑141‑3865
Care Coordination Requirements 410‑141‑3870
Intensive Care Coordination 410‑141‑3875
MCE Grievances & Appeals: Definitions and General Requirements 410‑141‑3880
Grievances & Appeals: Grievance Process Requirements 410‑141‑3885
Grievances & Appeals: Notice of Action/Adverse Benefit Determination 410‑141‑3890
Grievances & Appeals: Appeal Process 410‑141‑3895
Grievances & Appeals: Expedited Appeal 410‑141‑3900
Grievances & Appeals: Contested Case Hearings 410‑141‑3905
Grievances & Appeals: Expedited Contested Case Hearings 410‑141‑3910
Grievances & Appeals: Continuation of Benefits 410‑141‑3915
Grievances & Appeals: System Recordkeeping 410‑141‑3920
Transportation: NEMT General Requirements 410‑141‑3925
Transportation: Vehicle Equipment and Driver Standards 410‑141‑3930
Transportation: Out-of-Service Area and Out-of-State Transportation 410‑141‑3935
Transportation: Attendants for Child and Special Needs Transports 410‑141‑3940
Transportation: Secured Transports 410‑141‑3945
Transportation: Ground and Air Ambulance Transports 410‑141‑3955
Transportation: Member Service Modifications and Rights 410‑141‑3960
Transportation: Member Reimbursed Mileage, Meals, and Lodging 410‑141‑3965
Reports and Documentation 410‑141‑5000
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION: Definitions 410‑141‑5005
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION: CCO Financial Solvency Requirements 410‑141‑5010
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION: Procedure for General Financial Reporting and for Determining Financial Solvency Matters 410‑141‑5015
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION: Financial Statement Reporting 410‑141‑5020
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION: Annual Audited Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report 410‑141‑5025
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION: Qualifications of Independent Certified Public Accountant 410‑141‑5030
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION: Notification of Adverse Financial Condition 410‑141‑5035
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION: Accountant’s Letter of Qualifications 410‑141‑5040
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION: Independent Certified Public Accountants Workpapers 410‑141‑5045
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION: Corporate Governance Annual Disclosure Filing 410‑141‑5050
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION: Requirements for Reinsurance 410‑141‑5055
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION: Requirements for Obtaining Credit for Reinsurance 410‑141‑5060
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION: Qualified Trust Agreements 410‑141‑5065
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION: Letters of Credit 410‑141‑5070
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION: Assets, Liabilities, Reserves 410‑141‑5075
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION: Disallowance of Certain Reinsurance Transactions 410‑141‑5080
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY REGULATION: Transparency 410‑141‑5085
ASSET VALUATION AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: Definitions 410‑141‑5090
ASSET VALUATION AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: Calculation of Value 410‑141‑5095
ASSET VALUATION AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: Assets Other Than Securities 410‑141‑5100
ASSET VALUATION AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: Investments Used to Provide Compensating Balances 410‑141‑5105
ASSET VALUATION AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: Investment of Required Capitalization 410‑141‑5110
ASSET VALUATION AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: Investment in Mortgage Loans 410‑141‑5115
ASSET VALUATION AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: Investment in Real Property 410‑141‑5120
ASSET VALUATION AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: Investment in Corporate Stocks 410‑141‑5125
ASSET VALUATION AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: Loans 410‑141‑5130
ASSET VALUATION AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: Investments 410‑141‑5135
ASSET VALUATION AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: Personal Property 410‑141‑5140
ASSET VALUATION AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: “Prudent Investor” Standard 410‑141‑5145
ASSET VALUATION AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: Prohibited Conduct by Directors, Trustees, Officers, Agents or Employees 410‑141‑5150
ASSET VALUATION AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: Investment of Funds in Obligations That Are Not Investment Quality 410‑141‑5155
ASSET VALUATION AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: Approval by Board 410‑141‑5160
ASSET VALUATION AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: Record of Investments 410‑141‑5165
ASSET VALUATION AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: Prohibited Investments 410‑141‑5170
CAPITALIZATION: Capital and Surplus 410‑141‑5175
CAPITALIZATION: Impaired Capital and Surplus 410‑141‑5180
CAPITALIZATION: Dividend and Distribution Restrictions 410‑141‑5185
CAPITALIZATION: Restricted Reserve Account 410‑141‑5190
CAPITALIZATION: Surplus Notes 410‑141‑5195
CAPITALIZATION: Risk-based Capital (RBC) Definitions 410‑141‑5200
CAPITALIZATION: RBC Reports 410‑141‑5205
CAPITALIZATION: Company Action Level Event 410‑141‑5210
CAPITALIZATION: Regulatory Action Level Event 410‑141‑5215
CAPITALIZATION: Authorized Control Level Event 410‑141‑5220
CAPITALIZATION: Mandatory Control Level Event 410‑141‑5225
REPORTING AND APPROVAL OF CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS: Extraordinary Dividends and Other Distributions 410‑141‑5230
REPORTING AND APPROVAL OF CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS: Reports of Material Acquisitions And Dispositions Of Assets, and Changes to Ceded Reinsurance Agreements 410‑141‑5235
REPORTING AND APPROVAL OF CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS: Reports of Material Materiality and Reporting Standards for Asset Acquisitions and Dispositions 410‑141‑5240
REPORTING AND APPROVAL OF CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS: Materiality and Reporting Standards for Changes in Ceded Reinsurance Agreements 410‑141‑5245
EXAMINATIONS: CCO Production of Books and Records 410‑141‑5250
EXAMINATIONS: Authority Examinations of CCOs 410‑141‑5255
CCO ACQUISITIONS AND MERGERS: Purpose 410‑141‑5260
CCO ACQUISITIONS AND MERGERS: Activities Prohibited Unless Certain Provisions Satisfied 410‑141‑5265
CCO ACQUISITIONS AND MERGERS: Procedure For Acquiring Controlling Interest 410‑141‑5270
CCO ACQUISITIONS AND MERGERS: Information to Be Included in Form A 410‑141‑5275
CCO ACQUISITIONS AND MERGERS: Hearing, Request, Notice 410‑141‑5280
CCO ACQUISITIONS AND MERGERS: Determination Concerning Proposed Activity, Time For Decision, Grounds For Refusal 410‑141‑5285
CCO HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION: Definitions 410‑141‑5290
CCO HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION: Members of Holding Company Systems 410‑141‑5295
CCO HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION: Form and Contents of Registration Statement 410‑141‑5300
CCO HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION: Registration Statement Filing 410‑141‑5305
CCO HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION: Information Required to Be Disclosed 410‑141‑5310
CCO HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION: Presumption of Control 410‑141‑5315
CCO HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION: Disclaimer of Affiliation 410‑141‑5320
CCO HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION: Transactions Within Holding Company 410‑141‑5325
CCO HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION: Director and Officer Liability 410‑141‑5330
CCO HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION: Annual Enterprise Risk Report 410‑141‑5335
CCO HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION: Disclaimers and Termination of Registration 410‑141‑5340
CCO HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION: Forms 410‑141‑5345
CCO HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION: Forms 410‑141‑5350
CCO HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION: Forms 410‑141‑5355
CCO HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION: Forms 410‑141‑5360
CCO INSOLVENCY AND DISSOLUTION: Access to Funds and Transition of Members and Records 410‑141‑5365
CCO INSOLVENCY AND DISSOLUTION: Hazardous Operations 410‑141‑5370
CCO INSOLVENCY AND DISSOLUTION: Recovery From Parent Corporation Or Holding Company In The Event Of Liquidation Or Rehabilitation 410‑141‑5375
CCO INSOLVENCY AND DISSOLUTION: Voluntary Dissolution 410‑141‑5380
CIVIL PENALTIES
Last Updated

Jun. 8, 2021

Rule 410-141-3835’s source at or​.us